Our country was originally colonized by Puritans who left England to practice their Christian beliefs freely.

Unfortunately, these early settlers did not practice religious tolerance. Early laws were biblically-based and, as was true in the Salem Witch Trials, many crimes "against God" were punished by death.

The Taliban used similar social control in Afghanistan. The Constitution also has a dubious history. Many Southern states were hesitant to accept a population-representative branch of government because the more populous northern states would have a greater say in the legislative process.

It could be argued that our founders were looking past current moral differences to create a stronger federal government, but under no circumstance is using slaves for political gain a Christian activity. At least that's what we think now, and social change is just as important in religion as it is in politics.

The Constitution, much like religious scripture, is a largely interpreted document. As an atheist, I hope that the future allows for the more liberal interpretation that freedom OF religion implies freedom TO religion.

The phrase "under God" needlessly checks an individual's religious beliefs and separates Susan B. Anthony and former California Governor Culbert L. Olson (to name a few politically influential atheists) from full participation in pledging allegiance to our country.